Kosar Bano

Description: The research focuses on the crucial role of the cryosphere—glaciers, snow, and permafrost—in high mountain regions like the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH), where it significantly impacts both ecosystems and human societies. In the HKH, where most of the population relies on cryosphere-based water sources for agriculture, drinking, and daily use, the changing cryosphere is causing widespread consequences. Melting glaciers and reduced snowfall are leading to water shortages, impacting agriculture, drinking water supplies, and hydropower generation. Additionally, cryosphere changes threaten ecosystems, biodiversity, and infrastructure, with thawing permafrost increasing risks such as landslides, avalanches, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). These hazards damage infrastructure, disrupt transportation networks, and harm the tourism industry, leading to substantial economic losses. Local communities, many of whom have cultural and spiritual ties to the cryosphere, are losing traditional practices due to these environmental changes. Importantly, the research highlights that cryosphere-induced disasters disproportionately affect women and vulnerable groups, exacerbating gender inequalities as these groups often have limited access to and control over resources. This proposal underscores the urgent need to address cryosphere changes and their wide-reaching impacts on society, economy, and culture